Hope for Eastern Mau forest settlers as boundary process survey begins

After years of uncertainty, hope is finally emerging for thousands of families living near the Eastern Mau Forest as the government takes steps to establish clear boundaries following last year’s landmark court ruling.

Last Friday, a multi-agency team held a public participation meeting at Nessuit Primary School in Njoro, Nakuru County, setting the stage for the official launch of a beacon placement exercise starting today (Monday) in Sururu.

During the meeting, Njoro Deputy County Commissioner Mokin Ptangwany announced that the survey work would begin immediately to ensure the entire process is completed on schedule.

“We will hand over the surveyors on Monday at Sururu so they can kick off the exercise, which will cover the six blocks as directed by the court,” said Ptangwany.

He emphasised that this exercise is not about land subdivision or allocation but is focused on establishing boundaries to resolve years of disputes.

He also warned against individuals collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public, claiming they are allocating land.

“I want to caution the public: no land is being distributed. Some individuals are fraudulently collecting money, claiming land is being given out. Let it be clear that this exercise is about boundary establishment, not land allocation,” said Ptangwany.

Molo Deputy County Commissioner Jackson Juta echoed this call for vigilance, urging residents to support the exercise and protect the beacons.

“The beacons will be highly visible and digitally monitored through satellite. Any vandalism will be detected immediately. This is your project; let us work together to secure your future and the forest,” Juta said.

The beaconing exercise follows a court ruling on September 30, 2024, which upheld the legality of the 2001 cutline that excised 35,301 hectares from the Mau Forest.

The chunk of land was meant for the establishment of six settlement schemes: Marioshoni, Nessuit, Sururu, Likia, Sigotik, and Teret.

Residents had moved to court in 2020 over the boundary dispute and are now optimistic that the government will honor the court directive and issue them title deeds—a move that would end decades of land uncertainty in the area.

Local leaders praised the government's actions, declaring it a new dawn for the community. Marioshoni MCA Bernard Langat expressed gratitude to the residents for their patience, acknowledging the long struggle they have endured.

“We have really suffered, but today we see light. We are grateful for the court's decision, and we trust the surveyors will do a good job,” Langat said.

Mauche MCA Moses Koros described the moment as a prayer answered for a community that has faced years of frustration and exclusion from development opportunities.

“We have been yearning for this for years, moving from one office to another seeking justice. God has finally done it. Without title deeds, we could not access loans like others. Now that we see hope ahead, we are asking for affirmative action to help us catch up economically,” Koros stated.

Koros also encouraged farmers to diversify into cash crops such as coffee once title deeds are issued, pledging to introduce a motion at the county assembly to support coffee farming in the area.

Nessuit MCA Samuel Tonui raised concerns about absentee landowners.

“We have people who own title deeds but do not live on the land. As the cutline is established, let us be vigilant to ensure only genuine residents benefit,” Tonui said.

However, not everyone is pleased with the exercise. A section of the Ogiek community has expressed deep dissatisfaction, claiming their unique rights and historical connection to the Mau Forest are being overlooked.

They accused the government of sidelining them and failing to honor the Arusha court ruling that recognised Ogiek land rights.

“We thought the government was coming to implement the Arusha court ruling, which recognized the Ogiek's ancestral land rights. Instead, we see land being given to others while our fate remains uncertain."

"The forest is our lifeline; we are hunters, gatherers, and beekeepers. If access to the forest is cut off, what will become of us?” asked Sarah Osas, a member of the Ogiek community.

Njoro MP Charity Kathambi, who attended the event, emphasised the need for inclusivity in the process, calling for representation from all communities living around the Mau.

“We request that all tribes be included in this process to ensure fairness and peaceful coexistence,” said Kathambi.

Daniel Chumo, the chairman of the surveying and excision committee, appealed to residents to work closely with government officials and surveyors.